Jean Alexander was a British actress renowned for her roles in television, especially as Hilda Ogden in the soap opera Coronation Street, and as Auntie Wainwright in Last of the Summer Wine. Born on October 11, 1926, in Toxteth, Liverpool, she became a beloved figure in British entertainment.
Personal and Family Life
Jean Margaret Hodgkinson grew up in a modest home in Liverpool with her parents, Nell and Archie Hodgkinson, and had an elder brother named Kenneth. She nurtured her passion for acting from a young age, inspired by performances she saw at the local theatre. After completing her education, she began her career as a library assistant before transitioning into acting.
Career
Jean’s acting journey started in 1949 at the Adelphi Guild Theatre. She garnered initial recognition for her diverse theatre roles and made her television debut shortly after. Her iconic role as Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street began in 1964 and continued for over two decades, making her a household name. Jean’s unique portrayal influenced many, and her dramatic exit from the show in 1987 was watched by nearly 27 million viewers.
Death and Legacy
Jean Alexander passed away on October 14, 2016, in Southport, England, following a period of health challenges. Her contributions to British television were recognized widely, and she is remembered as one of the greatest soap opera stars of all time. Her legacy lives on through her memorable characters and the impact she had on audiences and fellow actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire | 2002-12-13 | Mrs. Santa (voice) |
| Willie’s War | 1994-01-01 | Nanny |
| Heartbeat | 1992-04-10 | Lily Barton |
| Coronation Street | 1960-12-09 | Hilda Ogden |
| Last of the Summer Wine | 1973-01-04 | Auntie Wainwright |
| Decoy | 1957-10-14 | Gertrude Brewer |
| Barbara | 1999-06-27 | Queenie Liversidge |
| Last of the Summer Wine: 30 Years Of Laughs | 2022-03-05 | Self (archive) |